By Muslimat Itopa
Stakeholders from Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as their sole candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced during a meeting with Governor Ododo at the Government House in Lokoja on Thursday where political leaders, traditional rulers, and community representatives from Omala pledged their continued loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration at both state and federal levels.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Ododo called for unity among political office holders and stakeholders in Omala, urging them to set aside differences and work collectively in the interest of development and security.
“You must agree together and begin meaningful stakeholder consultations that will foster understanding and development in Omala,” the governor said.
He emphasized that governance at the grassroots rests largely on the shoulders of local leaders, encouraging stronger engagement with community heads and traditional rulers to ensure peace and progress.
The governor commended the Chairman of Omala Local Government for efforts in tackling insecurity and praised stakeholders for their cooperation and sincerity.
He described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in community development and urged residents to remain united and committed to peaceful coexistence.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Ambassador Isaac Onu reaffirmed Omala’s political solidarity and loyalty to the governor, assuring him of overwhelming support in 2027.
He, however, highlighted pressing infrastructure needs in the area, including electricity, water supply, and road rehabilitation.
Onu noted that the local water station, established during the military administration, remains functional but requires reticulation after pipes were damaged during township road construction.
He appealed to the state government to expedite water distribution projects to prevent potential health risks, especially cholera outbreaks during the rainy season. Improved electricity supply, he added, would further enhance security and economic activities in the local government.
The delegation also expressed appreciation for recent appointments of Omala indigenes into government positions, including Mrs. Gloria Yakubu as Registrar of CUSTEC and Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim as Director General Protocol of Government House.
On security, Commander Jerry Omadara lauded the state government’s interventions in restoring peace to Bagana, describing the area as a critical commercial hub in Omala.
He recalled that the area had previously suffered attacks and unrest fueled by cross-border criminal activities but noted that collaborative efforts among security agencies — including the Army, Navy, Police, DSS, Civil Defence, vigilantes, and hunters — have significantly improved the situation.
According to him, the establishment of a Forward Operational Base and the ongoing plan to build a police station in Bagana have strengthened security and revived commercial activities in the market, which attracts traders from neighboring states.
He also disclosed plans to develop a finger jetty to improve riverine transportation and enhance revenue generation for the state.
APC Reaffirms Confidence
The Omala Local Government Chairman pledged total loyalty to Governor Ododo’s administration, promising to deliver the council’s votes in the 2027 election.
State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Bello, described Omala as a politically strategic local government and commended its leaders for their longstanding commitment to the party.
He expressed confidence that the people would replicate their past electoral performance in support of the governor and President Tinubu.
The meeting concluded with renewed assurances of political solidarity, as Omala leaders reiterated their readiness to mobilize massive support for the APC in 2027.
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